ECU graduates 2,269 graduates May 4

GREENVILLE, NC
(Apr. 26, 1996)
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The state’s governor and the president of the University of North Carolina wil join an expected 2,279 degree candidates at the East Carolina University commencement on May 4. ECU will award an honorary doctor of letters degree to Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. during the graduation program that starts at 10 a.m. in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. C.D. Spangler Jr., the president of the 16-campus University of North Carolina, will give the commencement address. More than 16,000 family members and friends of the graduates are expected to attend. The commencement day program opens with a band concert at 9:15 a.m. The colorful processional of graduates and faculty will form at 9:45 a.m. and will march into the stadium at 10 a.m. Hunt, who grew up in Wilson County, was elected governor in 1992. He served two earlier terms as governor from 1977 - 85 and was the state’s lieutenant governor from 1972-76. He is often cited for his contributions to the state’s economy and to education. Spangler became president of the University of North Carolina in 1986. He is a former chairman of the North Carolina State Board of Education. If weather conditions are unfavorable for an outside program, the ceremony will be moved to Williams Arena in Minges Coliseum and there will be two separate programs, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. ECU provides a commencement hotline for students and parents wanting current information about the graduation program. The telephone number is (919) 328-4884. Other numbers for information are 328-6131, 328-4700 and 328-6481. Complete details about the commencement are also available through the World Wide Web at http://www.news.ecu.edu.